Nexperia USA Inc. BZX384-C15-QF

Overview

BZX384-C15-QF from Nexperia is a ±5 % tolerance Zener voltage regulator diode in SOD323 (SC-76) package, rated for 15 V nominal breakdown at 5 mA, with 300 mW total power dissipation and qualified to AEC-Q101 for automotive use. It provides stable reference voltage in low-power biasing, overvoltage protection, and voltage-clamping circuits.

For engineers reviewing the BZX384-C15-QF datasheet, BZX384-C15-QF pinout, BZX384-C15-QF application, or BZX384-C15-QF equivalent, key selection criteria include its 15 V Zener voltage tolerance (±5 %), 200 Ω max differential resistance at IZ = 5 mA, 0.05 μA reverse current at VR = 11.4 V, -0.05 mV/K temperature coefficient, and SOD323 thermal resistance of 110 K/W to solder point.

Technical Context

This device operates as a two-terminal silicon Zener diode, conducting in reverse bias above its specified breakdown voltage to maintain a stable reference. Its regulation relies on avalanche and Zener mechanisms depending on voltage level - at 15 V, avalanche dominates, yielding low dynamic impedance and predictable temperature behavior.

The diode exhibits a negative temperature coefficient of –0.05 mV/K at IZ = 5 mA, enabling predictable drift compensation in precision references. Its non-repetitive peak reverse power dissipation is rated at 40 W for 100 μs pulses, supporting transient suppression in automotive load-dump or ESD scenarios.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The BZX384-C15-QF is housed in a surface-mount SOD323 (SC-76) plastic package with two terminals: anode (A) and cathode (K). The cathode is marked by a bar on the device body.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Zener voltage regulation applications.

Compared with BZX384-B15-Q, the BZX384-C15-QF trades regulation accuracy for broader tolerance and lower unit cost, while MMSZ5245B-TP offers higher power but lacks automotive qualification and increases PCB real estate by 40 %.

Availability

BZX384-C15-QF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, and consumer power adapter designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q101-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for BZX384-C15-QF includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Nexperia is a global semiconductor expert focused on high-volume, high-reliability discrete and logic devices, with leadership in automotive-qualified components and energy-efficient solutions.

The BZX384-Q series belongs to Nexperia's automotive Zener diode product line, engineered specifically for robust voltage reference and transient protection in harsh-temperature vehicle subsystems such as lighting, ADAS sensors, and body electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous forward current for BZX384-C15-QF?

The absolute maximum forward current (IF) is 250 mA per the limiting values table. However, this rating applies only under pulsed conditions (tp ≤ 100 μs); for continuous DC operation, thermal limits govern usage - at Tamb = 25 °C on standard FR4, the 300 mW power limit restricts average forward current to approximately 330 mA at VF ≈ 0.9 V, but Zener operation requires reverse bias, so forward conduction is typically avoided in normal use.

Does BZX384-C15-QF support reflow soldering, and what profile is recommended?

Yes, BZX384-C15-QF is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering. Nexperia specifies a standard JEDEC J-STD-020 profile with peak temperature of 260 °C for ≤30 seconds, preheat ramp rate ≤3 °C/s, and time above 217 °C of 60–150 seconds. Figure 12 in the datasheet provides the exact SOD323 footprint with 0.5 mm pad width and 0.6 mm spacing.

How does the temperature coefficient affect regulation accuracy over –40 °C to +125 °C?

With a typical SZ of –0.05 mV/K at IZ = 5 mA, the BZX384-C15-QF exhibits ~8.5 mV total drift across a 170 K range. Combined with ±5 % initial VZ tolerance (±0.75 V), worst-case regulation error is ±0.758 V at extremes - acceptable for non-precision clamping but insufficient for metrology-grade references without compensation.

Can BZX384-C15-QF replace BZX384-C12-Q in a 12 V circuit without redesign?

No - the BZX384-C15-QF has a nominal 15 V breakdown, not 12 V. Substituting it into a 12 V regulation path would result in insufficient conduction, causing unregulated output and potential upstream component stress. A direct replacement requires matching nominal VZ; for 12 V, BZX384-C12-Q (11.4 V–12.7 V) is the correct part.